Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a N2 billion investment plan to boost commercial and business opportunities at the popular Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano.

The renewed investment plan is targeted at remodeling the telecom business hub and expanding the market to attract commercial patronage from across the Northern region.

The intervention, according to the governor, is a direct response to recent fire outbreaks that devastated parts of the market and a broader effort to meet the growing needs of traders and customers.

Governor Yusuf’s commitment followed his physical inspection of the remains of the section of the market that got burnt recently, where he was warmly received by market leaders and traders.

According to the governor, the multi-billion-naira project will involve the reconstruction of the affected sections, expansion of the market through the acquisition of additional space, and the establishment of a fire station within the market, fully equipped with modern firefighting tools.

“It will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights to improve security and visibility, construction of a pedestrian bridge to enhance access and safety, as well as the development of drainage systems to control flooding and the rehabilitation of access roads within and around the market.”

As part of the broader vision, the governor equally hinted that the government is committed to making the Farm Centre GSM Market an international trading destination with access to neighbouring countries, thereby boosting cross-border commerce and regional integration.

The Kano State Government is also set to establish a dedicated management structure for the GSM Market to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability of operations.

Governor Yusuf urged traders and market users to cooperate with security agencies in combating the menace of phone snatching and petty crimes that have become prevalent in the area.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Reacting to the governor’s gesture, Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the Market, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the governor for the timely intervention.

He said the traders were deeply encouraged by the government’s concern and swift action, especially after the losses suffered in the recent inferno.

The Farm Centre GSM Market, located in the heart of Kano metropolis, operates across 20 plazas and is a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets, and related services.

It directly employs over 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job markets in Northern Nigeria.